Sedona

---

Steve and I headed to Sedona for a backpacking trip. We were supposed to hike a five mile loop but got way more than we bargained for! After hiking 2.5 on Bear Sign Trail and 1 on David Miller (straight up a mountain with aggressive switchbacks), we set up camp for the night. We woke up at 6 a.m. with rain clouds above us! We only had 1.5 miles left of the loop, so we weren't that concerned! The sign for Secret Canyon Trail pointed straight ahead! After crossing over a creek at least 10 times, climbing the canyon with snow and ice, 3 bear track sightings and 4 miles of hiking with a 30 pound pack on my back, the trail ENDED. We were left with no choice but to turn around and go back! The rain never came but we were still pretty miserable. Approximately 15 miles later (did I mention the 30 pound pack?), banged up feet and bruised up legs and starving, we arrived back to the car! Lessons learned: written directions for trails are not sufficient, need a map of the area and a compass would be great! #1 lesson: getting off the beaten track (fine, we were lost) was beautiful and rewarding.

---

Photos

Trailhead
Don't I look so energetic at the beginning?

David Miller Trail Peak
David Miller was an extremely hard trail to climb, but the view....it was worth it.

Secret Canyon
See how it only points one way? We were supposed to take a left instead of going straight ahead. Ooops!

Boy Scout
Good thing we had a good fire, it dropped into the 30's at night!

Secret Canyon
It was beautiful, but I'm still a little bitter!